Sweden’s robust manufacturing and industrial engineering sector contributes 20% of the country’s GDP, which is equivalent to $110 billion, and, of course, this speaks to a healthy industrial supplies and subcontracting industry. Advanced manufacturing alone brings in approximately $38 billion. This sector not only accounts for 75% of Swedish exports but also creates over one million jobs, highlighting its critical role in the national economic landscape. The most significant sub-sectors within Swedish manufacturing include traditional industries such as steel, automotive, chemical, and forestry. However, metal products, industrial machinery and equipment, automation, and food processing equipment also play pivotal roles.
In 2017, the Swedish government launched phase two of its strategy for developing the manufacturing industry, known as the Roadmap for Smart Industrialization. This initiative focuses on digitalization, sustainable and resource-efficient production, fostering industrial talent, and promoting innovation. Phase two includes 37 new measures, such as automation and robotics programs for SMEs, national test labs for electric vehicle production, and zero-emission programs for energy-intensive industries. These are changes that will nonetheless force Sweden’s industrial supplies and subcontracting industry to adapt from its traditional model of operation.
Swedish component and tool manufacturers are at the forefront of testing new manufacturing methods and materials alongside traditional tooling and machining. The RISE Application Center for Advanced Manufacturing exemplifies this drive, focusing on developing and testing technologies, materials, and knowledge in additive manufacturing. Inspired by Toyota's ‘just-in-time’ philosophy from the 1970s, Swedish manufacturers are constantly refining more efficient production methods. SMEs are particularly keen to transform their production facilities into future-ready factories with quick response capabilities, flexibility, and augmented and virtual reality applications to reduce lead times.
Competition has intensified and Swedish manufacturers are only able to keep up by digitalizing their production and services. The use of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, system integration, digital thread, intelligent machining, CAD, CAM modeling, and advanced analytics varies by industry.